CHAPTER 340: CHAPTER 219: THE FINAL BATTLE

Although Crassus annihilated the army of Attutmus, he was still reprimanded by the Roman Senate. The reason was that he spent a vast amount of manpower, resources, and time trying to trap the rebel army in the Regium Region, yet the rebels easily breached the long wall. Not only did this render the Roman Army’s long-term efforts futile, but it also led to devastation throughout the Great Greece Region, highlighting his incompetence. Thus, recalling Pompey’s Army to assist in the crackdown on bandits was deemed highly necessary.

Crassus, upon learning that Pompey had already returned to Italy with his forces, felt enraged by the Senate’s decision. However, he had to act; otherwise, the hard-earned victory of a year’s labor would be seized by Pompey, making him a laughingstock among the Romans.

Crassus decided to abandon his Fabian-style tactics, summoning all his soldiers to pursue the rebel army with full force.

............

At the end of March, the various tribes of Segestica were plunged into grief. Their Great Chief, Andres, after being wounded, fell into a coma. Despite relying on his strong body and the meticulous care of his servants, he hung on for several months but ultimately ceased to breathe.

After completing his burial, Cabdes felt relieved. Although Andres had been bedridden and unresponsive since being wounded, his influence was ubiquitous, causing Cabdes to be cautious and meticulous while managing the affairs of the Segestica Tribe.

Cabdes was the first to descend the mountain, his steps brisk.

Pulikas caught up from behind and called out to him, "Cabdes, when are you going to hold a tribal meeting to make Ankasus the new Great Chief?"

Cabdes’ relaxed mood was instantly shattered by the question. Looking at Andres’ confidant, he complained irritably, "Pulikas, I’ve slept poorly these past days doing my best to handle the Great Chief’s burial. Can’t you let me rest properly for a few days first?"

Pulikas was unmoved, his expression stern, "Establishing a new Great Chief is a major event for the tribe! The sooner it’s done, the sooner the tribesmen can feel at ease!"

Cabdes suppressed the rising anger in his heart and nodded, "You’re right. For the sake of the tribe, we indeed should establish a new Great Chief promptly! However, there is another urgent matter I have to attend to first, so this must be temporarily postponed."

"What matter?"

Cabdes replied solemnly, "Yesterday, Brochi Leader Brochi sent a messenger saying that the tribal alliance is to hold an urgent meeting to discuss a matter concerning the life and death of our Pannonians. Since the Great Chief is no longer with us, I’ve been overseeing tribal affairs in the interim. The alliance has requested I represent the tribe at this meeting, and I must depart by tomorrow!"

"What life and death matter?!" Pulikas was both surprised and somewhat skeptical.

"The messenger did not elaborate, saying we’d understand after participation. Rest assured, when I return, I will convene the tribal meeting to elect a new Great Chief—"

Cabdes was speaking when he noticed Pulikas about to interrupt, hastily emphasizing, "to ensure my nephew Ankasus smoothly becomes the Great Chief!"

Pulikas’ expression eased slightly, yet he reminded once again, "I hope you will keep your word!"

"Pulikas, don’t just keep reminding me, make sure you handle what you’re responsible for!" Cabdes said unceremoniously, "Although the Scodisqi rebel bandits have been exterminated, the slaves in the various tribes are still somewhat unstable. I’ve heard that in recent days, there were slaves fleeing to the Nick Tribe... so you and your warriors need to continue bolstering patrols around the tribes and the western border to deter those slaves harboring malice!"

"The escaped slave you mentioned has already been captured and hanged at Lin Kou Village. There’s no need for your reminder, neither I nor the warriors have ever slackened!" Pulikas finished, turned, and left.

Cabdes watched his departing figure, his face immediately darkening.

At this moment, his son Casinos edged closer, whispering, "Father, what did Pulikas come to discuss with you?"

"Apart from that matter, when has he ever discussed anything else?" Only then did Cabdes reveal a hint of discontent.

"Is this man’s head as stubborn as a stone?!" Casinos immediately vented his displeasure, "Since our defeat at the hands of the Nix people and Andres’ injury and coma, Segestica’s territory has been in utter chaos!

It was you, Father, who pacified the panicked tribesmen, eliminated the threat of the Nix people, organized the warriors to clear out the rebels, and restored the usual order so that the tribesmen could work in peace and were very grateful to you!

Yet, despite all your efforts, he chooses to ignore them, with only making Ankasus the Great Commander in his mind! Does he not realize that Ankasus is still a child, mischievous, never contributing anything to the tribe? How can the tribal leaders and tribesmen possibly be convinced by him? The present Segestica is not what it used to be; they need a capable Great Chief to lead them out of their plight!"

Cabdes listened to these words with satisfaction, but he said, "Casinos, you speak too loudly. Even if you’re dissatisfied with Pulikas, no one else should know."

Casinos moved closer, whispering even more softly, "Father, it doesn’t matter if Pulikas doesn’t support you. In recent days, I have privately visited some tribal leaders, and the majority, including Anrotas, have expressed their support for you..."

Cabdes felt no euphoria as he was already aware of this but cautiously reminded in a whisper, "Son, don’t be careless. Although Andres is dead, some in the tribe still cherish his memory and support Ankasus.

This time, I go to the tribal alliance not only to discuss the crucial matter but also to gain the support of other Great Chiefs. With their support, Pulikas’ opposition will be ineffective.

During my absence, keep a close watch on Pulikas for me; don’t let him cause any trouble! If any unexpected situation arises, immediately send someone to Marzi to notify me!"

"Rest assured, Father! I’ll manage the tribe’s affairs well in your absence!" Casinos replied with confidence.

............

In the east, the Roman Army from the Eastern Province blocked the route, making it impossible for the rebel army to seize Brindisi and head to Greece. In the west, Crassus’ forces were rapidly approaching, putting the rebel army in imminent danger of being caught between them.

During an urgently convened Military Commander Conference, leaders like Cleonis, who initially insisted on staying in their homeland, changed their stance, unanimously demanding: to march north, leave Italy, and head to the Gaul Mountains.

Even the Pisenum leader Demolius expressed support. To prevent further division within the ranks, Spartacus had no choice but to agree.

As the rebel army prepared to retrace their earlier route to the north, another dreadful news arrived: Roman General Pompey was leading a large force of Spanish troops rapidly south from the north.

With the northern escape plan foiled, the rebel army was about to be surrounded by the Roman Army. Yet, with no retreat path, the rebel soldiers instead became united in spirit, resolved to fight to the death.

After urgent deliberation, the leaders finally decided: before the various enemy forces could converge, they would first engage in a decisive battle with Crassus, the nearest enemy.

In early April 71 BC, at dawn, under the rising sun and gentle breeze,

more than 60,000 rebel soldiers poured out of their makeshift encampment, forming battle lines in the Lucania Region.

Informed of the situation, Crassus did not hesitate, immediately leading his army out of the camp and arranging his troops facing the rebels.

This was an inevitable battle for both sides, and as soon as they formed their battle arrays, both sides began to advance toward each other slowly.

After the rebels arrayed themselves, Spartacus rode to the front lines, slaughtered his warhorse before the soldiers, and raised his blood-stained short sword high, showing his determination to fight the enemy to the end.

Inspired by his actions, the rebel warriors were invigorated, their shouts resounding like tidal waves, echoing without end.

After advancing slowly for a while, the Roman Army came into sight. Situated in the west, illuminated by the rising sun, the Roman soldiers, clad in armor, reflected dazzling light.

Beside him, Hamilcar could not help but whisper, "The position of our troops is somewhat disadvantageous."

Spartacus furrowed his brows slightly, retorting softly, "What? Are you afraid?!"

"It’s just death, nothing to fear. When our tribe was destroyed by the Romans, my heart died then." Hamilcar calmly stated, "I was just worried that if we failed today, we wouldn’t be able to continue killing Romans... but, I thought of Maximus. Knowing him, he’ll surely trouble the Romans in the future, so I have no regrets."

"Indeed, there’s still Maximus!" Spartacus, gazing at the approaching enemy, grew more resolute, raising his short sword again, waving it in mid-air.

"Woo!... Woo!... Woo!..." From the rear of the rebel army, copper horns and bugles sounded in unison, warriors let out thunderous roars, initiating a charge against the enemy.

The ten-mile-long battle line roared and crashed against the Roman Army, and even though a rain of javelins fell from the sky, it could not extinguish the warriors’ fiery desire for vengeance.

At this moment, Spartacus was no longer the leader painstakingly maintaining the internal unity of the rebel army; he transformed once more into a fierce gladiator, fully unleashing his well-honed killing skills, with the Roman Soldiers confronting him often wounded and falling within a few rounds.

Though other warriors weren’t as ferocious, their resolve to face death was not much weaker.